Let's write an Xmarks dance

[MartinGrenoble]

Well, since you asked, o Piper (and to show I am not against the idea, even if my previous post was rather negative) ...

The X reel, for 4 couples in a longway set.

1-8 : All take hands on sides (of the saltire) and set, then 2nd & 3rd cps cross over and cast to nearer ends in 4 steps to form lines across (ends of the saltire), and all set facing up/down.

9-16 : All advance and retire, then 2nd & 3rd cps dance Right Hands across.

17-24 : Keeping RH joined in the centre, 2nd & 3rd cps join LH with corner persons, and all set (X), turn corners halfway with LH, all set (X) again, then turn corners once round in two steps.

25-28 : 2nd & 3rd cps dance half way round anti-clockwise to own sides, while 1st & 4th cps dance 4 hands round in the centre (the Spot?).
29-32 : 1st cp, turn inward to dance up and cast off into 2nd place, while 4th cp turn inward to dance down and cast up inyo 3rd place.

Repeat from new positions.

How about that to add to the list?
Martin

[londonpiper]

Well, since you asked, o Piper (and to show I am not against the idea, even if my previous post was rather negative) ...

The X reel, for 4 couples in a longway set.

1-8 : All take hands on sides (of the saltire) and set, then 2nd & 3rd cps cross over and cast to nearer ends in 4 steps to form lines across (ends of the saltire), and all set facing up/down.

9-16 : All advance and retire, then 2nd & 3rd cps dance Right Hands across.

17-24 : Keeping RH joined in the centre, 2nd & 3rd cps join LH with corner persons, and all set (X), turn corners halfway with LH, all set (X) again, then turn corners once round in two steps.

25-28 : 2nd & 3rd cps dance half way round anti-clockwise to own sides, while 1st & 4th cps dance 4 hands round in the centre (the Spot?).
29-32 : 1st cp, turn inward to dance up and cast off into 2nd place, while 4th cp turn inward to dance down and cast up inyo 3rd place.

Repeat from new positions.

How about that to add to the list?
Martin

Martin, this sounds great. I'd hoped to try out at least some of the other dances on this post on Wednesday with the Uni group but we spent most of the evening working on a highland demo for our ball next year so didn't have time or energy. I'm hoping to be able to give it a go before Xmas though.

[MartinGrenoble]

I'd hoped to try out at least some ... but we spent most of the evening...

How nice it would be to plan an evening's program!
But, no, something always happens to stop one from doing the dances one intended to do. My usual problem at this time of year, when the dance hall is too cold for comfort, is finding dances that keep everyone moving, not just 4-couple sets. Can't have half a dozen people sitting out. In fact, as we are never either 8 nor 16, we have to improvise and adapt quite a lot, and the 4-couple dances are pushed aside in favour of 5-, 6-, and 7-couple arrangements.
My other problem is teaching a group whose former teacher still attends and "suggests" this dance or that, never mind whether I know it or not!

Back to the dance I submitted: it has been tried, and it works.

Martin